Ever wondered about the secrets hidden along a seemingly ordinary Montreal street? Cote-Saint-Antoine Road is more than just a road. It’s a living timeline. A journey through centuries of history.
Our story begins at the intersection of Sherbrooke Street West Hampton Avenue and Cote-Saint-Antoine Road. This area holds the spirit of Place Guy-Viau. It’s a small park named after a significant Quebec artist. From here we’ll trace the road’s rich past.
Long before European settlers arrived Indigenous peoples particularly the Iroquois traversed this land. Their trails followed the natural contours. They created pathways including what is now Cote-Saint-Antoine Road and Arlington Lane. They used mountain springs near present-day King George Park for fresh water. An old burial ground. Discovered in the late 1800s is a stark reminder of their presence.
The Sulpician order’s arrival in the 17th century marked a turning point. French farmers were granted land. They established farms along Cote-Saint-Antoine Road. Names like Decary Prud’homme Leduc Hurtubise and St Germaine resonate through the area. This land proved ideal for fruit orchards. A few original farmhouses remain nestled amidst newer homes. These buildings showcase Westmount and Notre-Dame-de-Grace’s impressive architecture.
As we walk eastward notice the shift in landscape. The terrain gently ascends towards Girouard Avenue peaking near Lansdowne Avenue. Then it gracefully descends. Imagine the views these early farmers enjoyed. The Gazette from 1833 describes a 50-acre farm along Cote-Saint-Antoine Road. The house was made of stone. It boasted 250 fruit trees various berries and even grapevines. What a bounty!
We pass Maison Decarie. Built between 1731 and 1742. This house stands on the first concession granted by the Sulpicians. It represents the earliest French settlement. Because of its remote location Ville Marie’s inhabitants nicknamed this area “La haute folie” or “high madness”. The danger of traveling so far from the city’s protective walls was significant.
Further along we’ll encounter the oldest house in Westmount Maison Hurtubise. Built in 1739 on land purchased in 1699. This house stands as a testament to the area’s enduring history.
The walk continues through a blend of architectural styles. We see 19th-century homes. 20th-century buildings. Even glimpses of 21st-century structures. Each tells a story of the area’s evolution. We’ll reach King George Park. Here you’ll see evidence of those vital springs. Iroquois relied on them for fresh water.
Our journey culminates at Vimy Park. This park’s former name Garden Point hints at a possible Iroquois settlement. This place marks the end of our walk along Cote-Saint-Antoine Road. But not the end of its story. The street continues to evolve. It remains a treasure trove of history and architecture. It stands as a vibrant part of Montreal’s cultural tapestry. A legacy built on layers of lives and stories.